Buttondown is an adjective used to describe a particular style of clothing, typically referring to a shirt or blouse. This term generally refers to a garment that has buttons all of the way down its front opening, extending from the collar to the hem. The buttons are usually evenly spaced and allow the wearer to open and close the shirt easily.
In the context of fashion, a buttondown garment is often associated with a traditional and formal style. This type of shirt is commonly worn in professional or semi-formal settings, such as business attire or office settings. It is known for its neat and polished appearance.
The term "buttondown" can also be used to describe a specific type of collar. In this case, a buttondown collar refers to a collar that is fastened to the shirt using buttons. These buttons secure the collar points to the shirt's body, preventing them from flapping loose. This collar style is often considered more casual than other collar types, such as the traditional dress shirt collar.
Overall, the term "buttondown" conveys a sense of sophistication, formality, and attention to detail in the world of fashion. Whether referring to a shirt or blouse with buttons all the way down the front or a collar secured with buttons, this term is intrinsically linked to a classic and refined aesthetic.
The word "buttondown" has its origins in the mid-19th century. It comes from the combination of two separate words, "button" and "down".
The term "button" has Old French and Middle English roots, derived from the Latin word "bottōnem", meaning "a bud" or "a small ball". The concept evolved to represent small objects used to fasten or secure things, such as buttons on clothing.
The word "down" in this context refers to "fastened" or "secured". It derives from the Old English word "dūn", meaning "a hill" or "an elevation". Over time, "down" also began to be used more generally to denote something being secured or fixed.
The combination of "button" and "down" in relation to clothing refers to a particular type of shirt collar.